Job 21:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If one were to recognize the meaning behind the statement, And yet they shall lie in the dust, and the worm shall cover them, an allegorical interpretation can be promptly found in this text. Everything regarding this unjust rich man has already been addressed previously. He mentioned that his insides are filled with fatness, and his bones are full of intellect. Just as 'fat' comes from an excess of food, so too does pride stem from an abundance of wealth, which swells the mind with riches while elevating the spirit in haughty conduct. Pride of heart is akin to wealth in its excess. Since many commit sins out of abundance, the prophet states, Their iniquity came as it were out of fatness Psalm 72:7. This leads to the idea that his bones are nourished by intellect. Those who love this life are like 'bones' due to their strong worldly virtues while lacking personal wealth. They may have 'bones,' but their bones lack 'intellect.' Conversely, if someone who adores this world possesses both outward power and the fullness of his earthly treasures, it is said of him: and his bones are filled with understanding.

Alternatively, it may mean that the 'bones of the rich man' represent his harmful and obstinate ways, while 'the intellect in his bones' represents his unfulfilled desires for wicked things, which remain insatiable even when indulging in evil. Such a kind of intellect, as it were, sustains the bones when vile desires nourish the pursuit of sinful pleasures. There are some who exist in this world deprived of wealth yet yearn to possess it. They endeavor to elevate themselves, and even though they lack fortune or status, their misguided desires leave them feeling guilty in the eyes of the inner judge. It often brings great sorrow to many that they cannot achieve wealth and bear themselves with pride. Concerning them he added: And another dies in the anguish of his spirit, lacking riches. Observe how the rich man emptily delights in his proud heart while the poor one experiences emptier sorrow from a prideful heart.

Thus he rightly continued with their fate: And yet they shall lie in the dust, and the worm shall cover them. To 'lie in the dust' signifies closing one's mind to earthly desires; hence he speaks to all living in sin, and to those slumbering in their wickedness, Arise, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall lighten thee Ephesians 5:14. The 'worms' born from the flesh cover them, representing how earthly concerns weigh heavily on the minds of both the rich and the poor. In this world, both the unfortunate and the wealthy children of perdition, despite differing fortunes, share the same anxieties—some already possess what others covet and, unable to obtain it, are aggrieved. Therefore, it is said, Yet they shall lie in the dust, and the worm shall cover them. Even though they do not receive equal recognition in life, in their pursuit of material gains they remain equally ensnared and blind. The worms cover them equally, as both the desire for what is desired and the fear of losing what one holds are carnally driven thoughts.

But blessed Job, who was never elevated by material possessions and was never tormented by the fear of losing them, remained unencumbered by the worms of desire; because he did not let his thoughts drown in worldly goods, he did not 'lie in the dust.' He further states, Behold, I know your thoughts and the schemes you have deceitfully devised against me, as it is written, Which of men knoweth what is in man, except the spirit of man that dwelleth in him? 1 Corinthians 2:11. In the same vein, it is declared here, Behold, I know your thoughts. The spirit of man is unknown to others unless it is revealed through words or deeds. As it is written, Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them Matthew 7:20; through outward actions, the inner truth is illuminated. Solomon wisely stated, As in water the face of the beholder shines, so the hearts of men shine with wisdom Proverbs 27:19. Again, when blessed Job declared that he was aware of his friends' thoughts, he followed that with the acknowledgment of the schemes they had wrongfully concocted against him. By bringing what was hidden to light, he demonstrated that he had discerned their concealed intentions. Thus, he articulates their wicked inquiries, saying, Ye shall say, Where is the house of the prince? And where are the dwellings of the wicked?

Those weakened by their longing for worldly success and fearing divine retribution tend to gauge wrongdoing by the severity of punishment inflicted. They assume that those who endure calamity must have displeased God; hence Job's friends believed that, seeing him suffer, he must be a wicked man. They presumed that if he were not wicked, his 'dwelling' would still stand. This belief holds true for anyone suffering through physical affliction who follows the path of superficial satisfaction in this life, not having learned to aspire towards the eternal. It is well said:

Only Job's friends seem to firmly believe that the wicked must inevitably face demise (27-28). However, personal experience reveals that the wicked can both live joyfully and die serenely (29-33). Consequently, Job concludes that their reasoning is unfounded (34).

In this part of the dialogue, while Job's friends transition from uncertain suspicions and allegations of his hidden sins to specific accusations of hypocrisy and arrogance, they adhere to their original belief in the unwavering punishment of wrongdoing, threatening Job with dire consequences. Meanwhile, Job increasingly asserts his faith in his own integrity and his belief in the falsehood of his friends' reasoning, attributing the fate of mankind on earth not to individual virtue, but rather to the unfathomable designs of divine providence.